We live in a world where human strength is idolized. We gaze longingly upon the athletes...so dazzled by their leaps and bounds. But what impresses God?
Psalm 51 says: "You [Lord] do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God..."I have despised my brokenness, but God does not. I am a limper, but scripture tells me:
"What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem." (Psalm 84)Though I have spent many years in the Valley of Weeping, I will appear before God in Zion. I will limp up the hill into Jerusalem, singing a Psalm of Ascent and carrying my sheaves with me. Follow me, fellow limpers, and make your struggle the most beautiful part of your song.
~~Claudia Lovejoy~~
and by His Grace I too will appear before God in Zion.. Love your words Claudia Lovejoy. Love your spirit.
ReplyDeleteJust as God’s timing is perfect, so was your post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow "limper" I understood your title immediately. Thank for sharing your story and the time you put into your FB page. It has been such a blessing and encouragement. May God continue to bless you through this life.
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ReplyDeleteI believe for someone to be successfully used by God, they must first be “broken”. They must be made to “walk with a limp”, so to speak. This was true of all the heroes of faith in the Bible. For example, Moses had to spend 40 years in the wilderness. King David spent years in the desert running from his enemies. And the apostle Peter, who said that he would lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:36-38 ), ended up being humbled, broken. It’s said that the great man, Apostle Paul had a ‘thorn’ and asked God three times to remove it. God said no so Paul ‘walked with a limp’ was broken and thus ended up writing 2/3 of the New Testament. So, I’ve learned to never trust someone who doesn’t ‘walk with a limp’. *smile*
ReplyDeleteI've always loved the name you chose . I think I did tell you so before, not that that matters, I just love the reminder in it to keep moving forward, even if some days we only limp along. Is also loved you many and varied post of travelling home together. As another limper, having recently been diagnosed with an illness which I'm struggling to come to terms with, now more so ever I am thankful for fellow travellers who encourage me on my way. God bless you and yours this day.
ReplyDeleteWow, this was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeletei always wondered...i loved the choice...and i knew your mission from your posts....thank you for being a part of my life
ReplyDeleteI have a god that often alludes me, which I am okay with. Many times your words and pictures fill that space for me. Thanks. 💜💜
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ReplyDeleteI have a friend who would like to paint a picture of a rose that was recently posted on Limping to Jerusalem FB page. She would like permission to do the painting. Can you help me?
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/GwYL192YYxw
ReplyDeleteDear Claudia
ReplyDeleteI love your website and I love your story about watching someone help a homeless man, which I saw on Facebook.. I am the publisher emeritus and editor at large for Orbis Books. I am putting together a collection of beautiful writings called THE WAY OF LOVE. It is like five others I have done over the past five years. Check out THE WAY OF KINDNESS on amazon -- The Way of Kindness: Readings for a Graceful Life: Michael Leach, Michael Leach, James T. Keane, Doris Goodnough: 9781626982758: Amazon.com: Books to get the drift. May we use your story in the new book? We will give you proper attribution. Proceeds from Orbis Books go to support the missions overseas. Please contact me at my email: leaches@optonline.net. (the one listed is my wife's) Thank you so much for your consideration. == Mike Leach